A few weeks ago, I had the incredible privilege of sitting down with my friend Marcus Leonardo Boyd—a dad, activist, music composer, and producer. At 37 years old, Marcus embodies strength, resilience, and unyielding determination. But above all else, he is a human being who has embraced himself fully, learning to love every part of his identity. To me, that is what makes Marcus truly remarkable.
A Grandmother’s Unwavering Faith
Marcus is autistic. His journey with autism began in silence—he was non-verbal at the time of his diagnosis, unable to manage personal care, and prone to uncontrollable outbursts. Doctors and experts painted a bleak picture of his future, predicting he would always need care. Yet, his grandmother refused to accept this as his destiny.
“Nobody knows but God,” she would say, steadfast in her belief that Marcus had the potential to lead a fulfilling life. Her unwavering faith in him became the foundation of his journey toward self-discovery and growth. At the time, autism was poorly understood, and unfortunately, much of that ignorance still lingers today.
The Fight for Understanding
Marcus’ early experiences with therapy reveal the darker side of a system that failed to understand autism. Enrolled in talk therapy, he endured treatments that should never have taken place—experiences that remain difficult for him to revisit. Marcus’ story is a somber reminder of the systemic neglect and mistreatment often faced by individuals with disabilities.
Despite his reluctance to dwell on the past, Marcus has found healing in confronting it. With encouragement from his friend Rafiya Muhammad, he decided to share his story. Rafiya captured their conversations in a profound docu-short titled My First Word, which explores Marcus’ journey in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. By embracing his history, Marcus has reclaimed control over his future—and in doing so, he has inspired countless others to find strength in their own struggles.
Mental Health and Autism: Navigating the Storm
Mental health is an essential but frequently overlooked aspect of living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). For Marcus, depression has been a significant part of his journey. Adults with autism are four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression than the general population, and the dual challenges of ASD and depression require additional support.
When describing his darkest moments, Marcus shares, “Me sitting in my room alone with the lights off, sitting in a corner listening to the same sad song over and over again. Not eating. The longest I’ve been without eating is 6 to 7 days. Sometimes I eat too much, binge eating sporadically.” His words paint a vivid picture of the isolation and struggle he has endured.
Yet, Marcus has found solace in his faith and the healing power of gospel music. His story reminds us that even in the face of despair, there are paths to hope and resilience.
Fatherhood: A Love That Knows No Bounds
For Marcus, fatherhood has been a transformative experience. His son, Malakai, is more than his child—he is his destiny. “Malakai is not just my son. He is my destiny,” Marcus says with heartfelt conviction. His love for Malakai drives him to grow, heal, and push forward.
Though not in a romantic relationship with Malakai’s mother, Martina, Marcus speaks of her with deep admiration. He acknowledges her sacrifices and values the co-parenting bond they have established.
Fatherhood has taught Marcus the importance of patience, prayer, and support. His journey as a parent offers encouragement to other autistic dads, proving that love and dedication can overcome any challenge.
A Legacy of Love and Wisdom
Marcus’ life has been profoundly shaped by the love and wisdom of two remarkable women: his grandmother and his social worker, Dorothy Carr. His grandmother’s mantra—“Do not let your disability make room for anyone else at the dinner table”—served as a constant reminder of his potential. She refused to let obstacles become excuses and instilled in Marcus the drive to pursue greatness.
Dorothy Carr, whom Marcus affectionately calls “mom,” played a pivotal role in his life. Her unwavering support and love went beyond the call of duty, and Marcus credits her with saving his life. Both women left behind legacies of love that continue to guide Marcus on his journey.
The Struggle for Independence
Living independently as an autistic adult comes with unique challenges. Marcus knows this all too well. He has experienced the joy of living on his own but recently moved back in with family—a temporary step that has reignited his determination to reclaim his independence.
“Once you’ve tasted independence, there is no desire to go back,” Marcus admits. He recognizes the immense pressure of managing responsibilities alone but remains steadfast in his goal to live on his own terms.
A Call for Understanding and Support
Marcus Boyd’s story is one of resilience, courage, and love. It sheds light on the complexities of living with autism and depression while celebrating the triumphs of an individual who refuses to let challenges define him. His journey reminds us that love, faith, and a strong support system can pave the way for healing and growth.
For anyone navigating similar struggles, Marcus offers these words of encouragement: “Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual. Continue praying and have a circle of support.” His message is a testament to the power of community, compassion, and hope.
Marcus’s journey is far from over. He continues to inspire those around him and challenge societal perceptions of autism. If you haven’t yet seen My First Word, I highly encourage you to watch it. It’s not just a film—it’s a window into the resilience of the human spirit.
For more about Marcus Boyd and his work, visit:
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